Ridgefield, CT

"Something for everyone" and "America's sweetheart"Nominated by Karen Dalessio and Laura Kent

Ridgefield’s lovely downtown is ripe with history. (Credit: Karen Dalessio)

Ridgefield has a population well over 20,000, but still maintains it’s small-town vibe. People here are friendly on the street, and they help their neighbors and community. Plus, it’s gorgeous here — Norman Rockwell has nothing on our Main Street.

One of the many reasons that Ridgefield is so nice is the Prospector Theater, a non-profit organization that provides meaningful employment to those people with disabilities. The Prospects (as the employees are referred to) run the operation of the premium, first-run movie theater located off Main Street, right in the heart of this historic town. The theater allows people with disabilities, unfortunately underrepresented in the workplace, to work in roles that highlight their strengths.

Another reason is the Ridgefield Playhouse (also a non-profit organization) that has an average of over 200 live shows per year. Such acts have included Pat Benatar, The Beach Boys, David Foster, Kansas, Richard Marx, The Starship and so many other great performers. In addition, the Playhouse gives children opportunities to learn more about the arts. There is also a sense of community and frequent random acts of kindness, a historical aspect of the village, and so much more.

One of the many things I love about Ridgefield is the sense of community, especially when a resident is in need. The town shows their support. Recently, a young mother was in Starbucks ordering coffee and she discovered she did not have her wallet. One of the other patrons paid for her coffee. Another person’s meal was paid for at a local deli when they realized they didn’t have money to pay for their lunch. Neighbors help neighbors. When a neighbor passes away, neighbors will bring meals to the family grieving. Random acts of kindness are no odd occurrence.

Additionally, people really do know each other here, even though the town’s population is not particularly small. My father volunteered use of his camera equipment to a woman looking to discover the contents of a home video on the town Facebook page. The woman thanked him profusely — and continued to enthusiastically greet him and thank him by name when they ran into each other a few days later at the town’s spring stroll.

The town also gathers as a community at a variety of events a year. The picturesque Holiday Stroll, the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off, the Fourth of July fireworks, the Memorial Day parade — the town comes together at multiple annual events to celebrate and honor the holidays and spend time together.

A reenactment of the Battle of Ridgefield, where the community gathers to celebrate the town and it’s history. (Credit: Peter Kent)